Events & Workshops

I offer in-person journaling workshops that focus on topics and techniques designed to guide one to a deeper self-awareness and enhanced ability to access the inner wisdom of the heart. These heart-based sessions call to those who are seeking to explore and re-connect with deeper aspects of themselves in a community of like-minded souls. As all true spiritual leaders tell us, all the answers lie within you. The heart is the source of true wisdom and guidance.

No journaling experience is necessary!

All that you need bring is a sense of curiosity and an open heart and mind.

Journaling Workshops

I offer in-person journaling workshops in Chaffee and nearby counties.

For more information on my in-person workshops, please visit my Workshops page.  I would also love to collaborate with you to create a custom workshop designed to meet the specific needs of your group.  You may contact me at 720-485-1431 or maryann@journalingforjoy.net.  

     All workshop participants will receive one of my 4" x 7" handmade journals.  To view my journals, please visit my Shop page.  I hope to see you soon!      

Intro to Journaling

Tips and Techniques

This 2-hour workshop is designed for both beginners and veterans looking to enhance their journaling experience.  We will briefly discuss the benefits of journaling as it relates to the overall health and well-being of mind, body, and spirit, as supported by scientific research.  All my workshops begin with breathing and relaxation techniques to help us quiet the mind and relax the body. I will then introduce a variety of prompts and techniques that you can add to your journaling repertoire.

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  • "Mary Ann goes out of her way to tailor a journaling experience custom for you. She meets you where you are."

    —Workshop Attendee

  • "Science, techniques, and heart. I loved it. Thank you."

    —Mel

  • "Mary Ann is a fantastic insightful leader. She drew participants out and led people of varied ages to write with emotion."

    —Judy Christie

  • "I can tend to experience life, and approach journaling from a very literal place. In just one hour, Mary Ann was able to help me access my unconscious voice and inner wisdom. Really helpful prompts that were super easy for me to springboard into writing. Thank you."

    —AM

  • "This is an incredibly well organized and thought provoking workshop. Mary Ann is a generous teacher, helping novice and experienced writers feel comfortable. The handouts she provided are great, covering a wide range of journaling aspects-and papers and handmade journals are beautiful!"

    —Workshop Attendee

  • "Mary Ann provides a wonderful workshop. She is a calming presence, easy to talk to and understand. I would go to any presentation she gives."

    —Diana Weir

Journaling from the Heart

In this 2-hour workshop, we will use a variety of creative prompts, visualizations, and guided imagery to help us reconnect to the inner landscape of our hearts.  We will focus on getting in touch with our emotions and begin to notice how our emotions talk to us through our body sensations.  No prior journaling experience is necessary, only a sense of curiosity and an open mind and heart.

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  • "Journaling for Joy was an incredible workshop. I felt safe and accepted to explore and share. Mary Ann does a great job explaining the material and giving us time to experiment with the different techniques. I look forward to future workshops she offers."

    —Workshop Attendee

  • " Mary Ann brings a warm and compassionate heart and much knowledge to her teachings. The group felt safe and by the end connected. I enjoyed being guided into my heart space in both writing and visualization practices. I left feeling peace in my heart and inspiration to continue to deepen my journaling practice."

    —Nicki Schadl

  • "Came into this workshop just wanting to know prompts or ways to journal, but came away with such great ways to really get in touch with my feelings and to think about what I want to say. Ways to just make the words flow."

    —KH

  • "Mary Ann, as facilitator of "Journaling for Joy", is absolutely wonderful. Her awareness, conscientiousness, and encouragement were truly impressive."

    —Sarah Conrad

Finding the Treasures Within

In this 2-hour workshop, we will use a variety of prompts and exercises to explore the individual strengths and resources that we possess, some of which may be out of our awareness.  No prior journaling experience is necessary, only a sense of curiosity and an open mind and heart.  

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  • “I went to another workshop with Mary Ann. She is an amazing facilitator. I would highly recommend any of her workshops!”

    —Workshop Attendee

  • “This was a great addition to the first one. It gave me more things to think about and more tips to help me. So enjoy your workshops.”

    —Karen

Keeping a Gratitude Journal

Gratitude journaling offers an array of physical, mental, and emotional health benefits.  One can learn to combat negative thought patterns and overthinking by tuning into the blessings and beauty of life and writing in down on paper.  This shift in focus can lead to more positivity and optimism, and can help one to foster a more balanced perspective when faced with life’s challenges.  In this 2-hour workshop, learn ways to shift your focus to the positive aspects of life and enjoy greater life satisfaction.

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The Beauty of Imperfection

We humans are a mixed bag, a complexity of strengths and shortcomings. Yet society tells us in various ways that we need to be "perfect" in order to be accepted and loved.  Perfection is a myth that does not truly exist.  The pursuit of perfection often leaves us feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed with little enjoyment of life.  In this 2-hour workshop, we will explore different cultural perspectives and how a shift in our own perspective can help us to see the value and beauty in what we might have previously seen as a flaw.  No prior journaling experience is necessary, only a sense of curiosity and an open mind and heart.

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The Appreciation of Beauty

Do you know people who complain and find something negative in most things and other people who are positive and joyful no matter what the situation?  Some say that   the ability to see beauty in everything is a choice and some say it is a spiritual Practice.  Beauty is all around and within us, but are we seeing and experiencing it?  With a slight shift in focus, we can learn to better appreciate beauty in our everyday lives.  In this 2-hour workshop, a variety of prompts and exercises will help us to explore the concept of beauty. No prior journaling experience is necessary, only a sense of curiosity and an open mind and heart. 

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Living from the Heart

What would it be like to show up in life as your authentic self?  What would it mean to honor yourself for who you truly are instead of trying to please others and live up to their expectations?  In this 2-hour workshop, we will use prompts, visualizations, and guided imagery to re-connect with our higher self, who we truly are at our core. No prior journaling experience is necessary, only a sense of curiosity and an open mind and heart.  

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